To Give or Not to Give?

The cultural tension between enabling and helping the needy on the street.

We see the sign long before we get close.

What should we do?

It is argued that giving the homeless cash may enable an addictive pattern to prevail. Some say donating to a shelter is better, but even so, walking or driving past always feels awkward and wrong.

I keep $10 gift cards for fast-food restaurants in the car to hand out instead of cash.

My thought is that if they misuse the donation, that is between them and God. If I do not make the effort, that is between God and me.

What do you do?

Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; a stranger, and you welcomed me."

Matthew 25:40 "Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me."